Publication Date: March 11, 2026, 01:00h.

Update Date: March 11, 2026, 01:00h.

• Reno recognized as a top destination for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
• Numerous Irish pubs, safety, and affordability make Reno stand out, according to researchers

With St. Patrick’s Day rapidly approaching on Tuesday, March 17, a recent survey identifies the premier cities for honoring this festive holiday that marks the passing of St. Patrick, the primary patron saint of Ireland. Some top choices might pleasantly surprise you.

According to the personal finance platform WalletHub, Americans are expected to spend $7 billion on St. Patrick’s Day 2026. Various cities maintain rich traditions, like Chicago’s green river or New York City’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Yet, WalletHub suggests this Nevada city offers an even better experience for celebrating Irish culture.

Reno’s Impressive Ranking

Reno, often dubbed “The Biggest Little City in the World,” has emerged as a top contender in the WalletHub rankings for the Best Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Festivities, securing the No. 2 spot.

The city excelled in areas like its St. Patrick’s Day customs, affordability of celebrations, and overall safety and accessibility. Also, Reno’s pleasant and mild weather contributed to its high ranking. Only Boston ranked above Reno for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

“Reno bursts with lively traditions and activities for everyone. Highlights include the Reno Leprechaun Crawl, a spirited bar-hopping event filled with themed activities and drink specials, as well as the Annual Leprechaun Race 5K, a family-friendly run where participants don their best St. Paddy’s attire,” elaborated the WalletHub study.

Reno ranks 21st in terms of the number of Irish pubs per capita in the United States, offering some of the most affordable drinks nationwide. Noteworthy Irish establishments include Ceol Irish Pub, Shenanigan’s, and Ole Bridge.

With over 31 million American citizens claiming Irish heritage, the Irish represent one of the largest ancestry groups in the nation. It’s important to note that St. Patrick’s Day originated in North America and was first marked by colonies to honor the saint’s passing centuries ago.

Though the initial celebrations were started in North America, the holiday’s popularity has surged in Ireland. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, leading to closures of banks, schools, and many businesses. The parade in Dublin attracts over 500,000 attendees each year.

Hotels for St. Patrick’s Day

Thinking about a last-minute trip to Reno for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities? You’re in luck, as there are plenty of highly-rated casino hotel rooms still available.

For a two-night reservation from Monday to Wednesday, rates include Peppermill at $125 per night, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino at $118, Eldorado at $91, Silver Legacy at $69, J Resort at $67, and Western Village Inn and Casino at just $64.